Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters

AMG Review of Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters

Lindsay Planer
All Music Guide

This is the first full-length package to feature the Drifters with Clyde McPhatter as primary vocalist. The combo were aptly named, as members "drifted" in and out of the lineup so often that this can ostensibly be seen as the third incarnation of the ensemble. Joining McPhatter are Gerhart Thrasher (tenor) and Andrew Thrasher (baritone), Bill Pinkney (bass and lead voice on the song "White Christmas"), and the band's sole instrumentalist Jimmy Oliver (guitar). The nature of the LP medium -- during the '50s and early '60s especially -- were basically as repositories for earlier singles and any sides that might have been left in the proverbial vaults. As the self-titled platter suggests, both Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters (1957) were equally billed. As such, there are a few of McPhatter's successful solos within. Most notable among these are the doo wop balladry of "Treasure of Love" and the opener "Without Love." There is a gospel-flavor impacting the latter as McPhatter's inspiration is heard within his wrought out emotion. "I'm Not Worthy" has an epic torch ballad feel to it that was, quite literally custom-made for the vocalist, as he is the author. Similarly, the quick tempo Drifters staple "Honey Love" -- co-written by none other than producer Jerry Wexler under the nom de plume of J. Gerald -- is the perfect marriage of singer and song, begging the question, why McPhatter did not deliver more of his own clearly superior tunes. Considering the function of long-players during their infancy, it is no wonder that the hugely popular seasonal selections "White Christmas" and "Bells of St. Mary" are so prominently displayed at just about the half-way point. Although having Christmas songs on a record that was issued in the summer might seem a tad contrary by modern standards, from a marketing standpoint it was a brilliant move on the part of Atlantic Records label owner and Drifters co-creator Ahmet Ertegun. Speaking of which, Ertegun -- as A. Nugetre -- contributes the sacred-inspired boogie "Whatcha Gonna Do." He is also flanked by Wexler aka J. Gerald as well as engineer Tom Dowd (who uses his real name) for the slightly slinky piano blues "Warm Your Heart." "Money Honey" and "Such a Night" have stood the test of time and never lost their respective places as essential early rock classics. Despite being one of the more rhythmically upbeat numbers, the final cut, "Thirty Days" -- which shouldn't be confused with the Chuck Berry rocker of the same name -- is gilded by a dark melody that acts as a liaison between the longing in the lyrics and the incongruently jaunty backbeat.